Help Me Choose My First Baitcaster Setup

[Larry C.]

Hello all never used a baitcaster before luckily my buddy has one and will learn me up. I main rig is a 6.6 Berkeley Lighting Rod 2 piece MF setup with a Shimano Sahara 3500.

I want a baitcaster for all around bass fishing so something that works good with all types of applications. I have about $300-$350 to spend and want something nice.

I'm looking for the rod to be at least 7' MF. Please help!

[iabass8]

Wait until the end of the month for Black Friday Sales. Dobyn's Champion 703 or 733 ican be had just under 200 /w the 20% off at TW. Reel choice, and i hate to admit it because i just bit the bug and i'll be damned if they aren't amazing reels, lews tournament pro can be found on ebay for around 130$ new as opposed to 200 retail. this would be a fantastic do it all combo. this is also one of my set ups.

[kickerfish1]

This topic has been covered in great frequency on here. However your budget is a bit more than most folks spend on their first. There are ALOT of great choices for that kind of money and you will probably receive dozens of opinions. I would suggest a quality aluminum frame reel and rod that offers a lifetime warranty. If you have a local outdoors store nearby, mess around with some rods and reels to get a feel for what might work for you. Also keep in mind a reel with a gear ratio "in the middle" and an all around casting rod like 7 +/- MH casting rod would be good bets.

As previously stated online holiday sales will be good times to stretch your dollar further...

[new2BC4bass]

A 7' MHF is often suggested as being one of the best all-around rods.  Go to TW and do some looking.  I don't think they carry the Kistler KLX, but this rod is getting some excellent reviews.  Powells are highly rated for the money.  Check out the Endurance line.  The new Pinnacle Perfecta rods have gotten some very good reviews on here.

 

I love my Fenwick Smallmouth rods, but for a MHF I would look at their Aetos series.  13 Fising *** Black rods are the hot ticket right now and are another option.

 

For a reel the Daiwa Tatula looks very good.  Lews Tournament Pro has already been mentioned.

 

$300-$350 initially sounds like a lot of money (and is for me) until you realize the better rods and reels normally start around $150.  The Fenwick Smallmouth and 13 Fising *** are both rods costing less, but are super rods for the money.

 

Definitely wait for the sale coming up.  Another option is to buy used.  Some really great deals can be had.  Vast majority of my reels were bought used.  Many look like new.

 

No idea where you live, but in my area I am about done fishing for the year.  Which brings me to another possible option.  Wait for a line of rods and/or reels to be discontinued.  Super deals can be had at that time.

 

I knew rods such as the Dobyns Champion would be suggested.  It all depends on what is more important to you.  A $200 Champion and $130 Lews TP makes your budget.  A $180 Aetos minus 20% discount equals $144.  Adding the same Lews TP will leave you money for line and a couple lures.

 

Or haunt the classifieds and buy a like new $250 reel for $150 and a $250 rod in excellent condition for $150. 

[camovan]

That seems like quite an upgrade from your current combo $ wise so I am sure your going to be happy fishing with it even through the beginners backlashes. Id suggest going to a nice tackle shop near you for assistance with picking out a first combo for that much cash. They will be more than willing to spool some line up and let you get a feel for a couple braking systems and explain how they all work so you can make the most of your purchase, you can also try left and right hand retrieves to see which you prefer since you cant just switch the handle anymore. Even though your buddies going to help learn you, it will be very helpful to get some instructions on how your specific reel functions before you hit the water for the first time.

[Larry C.]

A 7' MHF is often suggested as being one of the best all-around rods.  Go to TW and do some looking.  I don't think they carry the Kistler KLX, but this rod is getting some excellent reviews.  Powells are highly rated for the money.  Check out the Endurance line.  The new Pinnacle Perfecta rods have gotten some very good reviews on here.

 

I love my Fenwick Smallmouth rods, but for a MHF I would look at their Aetos series.  13 Fising *** Black rods are the hot ticket right now and are another option.

 

For a reel the Daiwa Tatula looks very good.  Lews Tournament Pro has already been mentioned.

 

$300-$350 initially sounds like a lot of money (and is for me) until you realize the better rods and reels normally start around $150.  The Fenwick Smallmouth and 13 Fising *** are both rods costing less, but are super rods for the money.

 

Definitely wait for the sale coming up.  Another option is to buy used.  Some really great deals can be had.  Vast majority of my reels were bought used.  Many look like new.

 

No idea where you live, but in my area I am about done fishing for the year.  Which brings me to another possible option.  Wait for a line of rods and/or reels to be discontinued.  Super deals can be had at that time.

 

I knew rods such as the Dobyns Champion would be suggested.  It all depends on what is more important to you.  A $200 Champion and $130 Lews TP makes your budget.  A $180 Aetos minus 20% discount equals $144.  Adding the same Lews TP will leave you money for line and a couple lures.

 

Or haunt the classifieds and buy a like new $250 reel for $150 and a $250 rod in excellent condition for $150. 

I'm in Miami

I'm glad you mentioned the *** *** Black I have been reading really great stuff and I believe it sells for around $120. I think that tops my list so far but again that's why I'm asking here. Just cause I have a certain budget doesn't mean I just wanna waste that money when I could have something just as good and save money.

[Larry C.]

Thanks for the responses guys. Anyone have any other suggestions???

[Jrob78]

I would check out the Daiwa Tatula rods and reels.  I got to play with them the other day and I came away very impressed.  It would make a sweet combo and not too expensive.

[Larry C.]

I would check out the Daiwa Tatula rods and reels.  I got to play with them the other day and I came away very impressed.  It would make a sweet combo and not too expensive.

Thanks what model reel in that line do you like for the price?

[Larry C.]

If I decided to go with the *** *** Black 7' M/F what would be a good match for a reel as far as quality and weight?

[new2BC4bass]

They say you can find a Lews Tournament Pro on ebay for about $130.  That would be one sweet deal.  The Daiwa Tatula reel has been getting great reviews.  There are a couple nice used Zillions for sale on another forum...one at $195, other at $165.  Love my Zillions. They are towards the high end weight wise as is the Pro Qualifier that gets recommended all the time.

 

The *** Black seems to be a fairly light rod.  I say "seems" because all of today's rods seem light to me.   

 

My *** has an Alphas mounted on it.  The gentleman I bought the rod from said this size reel was a good match.  One of the Lews should balance just as well.  Mine is the 7'3" MF.

[Jrob78]

Thanks what model reel in that line do you like for the price?

I meant you should get a Tatula rod and a Tatula reel.  They should go together perfectly and will fit in your budget.

[JayKumar]

Choose a rod based on what type of baits you mostly use. Many are specialized now.  For reels, I always say Shimano if you can afford it, Lew's if you can't.  But lots of good stuff out there now.  Try to fish with a bud's setup if you can.

[Shane J]

There was a brand new Shimano Cumara in the flea market section here, and someone also had some Lew's Tournament Pro's for sale. If you pair those together, you are in for a treat. I have that combo times three now, and impossible to beat at that price point, if you ask me. Retail on those two, would be over your budget, though, so you'll have to shop it.

[kingkong85]

Now days there are many companies that makes great rods and reels. It just comes down to preference.

Powell max rod is another option.

Reels: Daiwa tatula 100, lew's (any of them)

I have the powell max 704C rod and lew's bb1 6.4:1 reel. Retails $330 total but i got the rod for $90 new and the reel at $134 new, total of $224. I couldn't be more happy.

If you want to know where I bought the rod pm me.

[Larry C.]

Ok so I mainly fish horny toads Senkos rat l traps swim baits and some crankbaits. What would work for me? I'm guessing 7' MF really liking everything I'm reading about the 13 Black *** just don't know what would be the best reel for what I'm throwing and the $????

[skeletor6]

Ok so I mainly fish horny toads Senkos rat l traps swim baits and some crankbaits. What would work for me? I'm guessing 7' MF really liking everything I'm reading about the 13 Black *** just don't know what would be the best reel for what I'm throwing and the $????

 

Consider stepping up a power. A MH seems more practical when you throw swimbaits in the mix. And it will allow you to throw into some moderate cover and fish standard size jigs and texas rigs. I would rather have a little extra power than be underpowered.

[rockchalk06]

Ok so I mainly fish horny toads Senkos rat l traps swim baits and some crankbaits. What would work for me? I'm guessing 7' MF really liking everything I'm reading about the 13 Black *** just don't know what would be the best reel for what I'm throwing and the $????

You have a wide selection of baits listed. Some really need a specific rod and reel IPT to fish them the best way you can.

 

That said I think a MF is going to be too light to effectivly fish everything you have listed. You may be better off with a MHF action rod. The 13 rods are great rods for the money. Between the 13 and the St. Coix Mojo, I'd say both would fit well in the 100 dollar mark with the better given to the 13. the 7' MH is a fast action and can handle baits around 3/8 oz and up.

 

As for reels, I pefer Shimano reels. I'd say anything with a IPT around 25-26 would be good for what you want.

[Larry C.]

Thanks guys will look into getting a MH. Can you guys tell me the difference between Lew's Speed Spool $99 and the BB-1 $159?

[new2BC4bass]

Thanks guys will look into getting a MH. Can you guys tell me the difference between Lew's Speed Spool $99 and the BB-1 $159?

 

Probably best to start another thread for this question.  Can't help you.  Only own the Tournament Pro.  You could look on Lews website for the specs of each reel as a start.  Of course, feedback from those with real life experience with both reels would be helpful.

[Sam]

For Christmas during the after Thanksgiving sales:

 

7-foot medium heavy rod.

6:1 Speed Reel

Match reel's parameters with those of the rod's specifications.

12 to 17 pound fluorocarbon line.

Any name brands you wish.

If you want to learn how to avoid backlashes please PM me.

Good luck and good shopping.

[Larry C.]

Well it looks like I'm going with....

13 Black *** 7'1" MHF and

Lew's TP1H, RH, 10+1, 6.4:1, 28", 120/12, 14 lbs. 6.7 oz

What do you guys think?

[Arv]

Well it looks like I'm going with....

13 Black *** 7'1" MHF and

Lew's TP1H, RH, 10+1, 6.4:1, 28", 120/12, 14 lbs. 6.7 oz

What do you guys think?

sounds like a good set up to me. Would nt be my choice for crank s but I would use it for everything else. The tournament pro is a sweet reel.

[mjseverson24]

I like the *** a lot pretty sensitive for the price range and an overall good quality construction. the only issue I have is the reel seat is a little uncomfortable after fishing for a while. for a rod in the 100 dollar range about as good as it gets. I personally like the shimano compre in this price range, as the reel seat gives maximum contact with the blank just food for thought... also try the BPS pro qualifier...

 

Mitch

[lmbfisherman]

Well it looks like I'm going with....

13 Black *** 7'1" MHF and

Lew's TP1H, RH, 10+1, 6.4:1, 28", 120/12, 14 lbs. 6.7 oz

What do you guys think?

Sounds like a winner combo to me.